If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be able to replace them with state-of-the-art dental implants from your dentist in Castlerock, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington. If necessary, Dr. Kennington also can perform the bone grafting procedures to prepare your jaw for successful implant placement. He’s a founding member of Advanced Dental Implant Studies; so you know your health and your oral surgery needs are in good hands.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth made of titanium screws inserted into the jawbone during an in-office oral surgery. Through a natural process called osseointegration, the jaw bone bonds with the implant device over the course of several weeks, stabilizing the bone and preserving its size.
After the site is fully healed, Dr. Kennington attaches an extension post and realistic porcelain crown. He may place one, two, or more single dental implants as needed. Implants can also support fixed bridgework or full or partial dentures.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Your dentist says that many people make excellent candidates for dental implants. Some important considerations are:
- Good oral hygiene habits
- Getting six-month check-ups and cleanings to avoid an infection called peri-implantitis
- Good overall health
- Good oral health (including sufficient bone density in the jaw)
- Being a non-smoker (cigarettes are linked to peri-implantitis, oral cancer, and other problems)
Consultation and Possible Bone Grafting
Dr. Kennington evaluates patients for dental implant placement at Cowlitz River Dental. He does a comprehensive oral examination, complete with digital X-rays and other imaging. He writes a treatment plan outlining how the implant or implants will be placed.
Also, the dentist indicates if there is sufficient bone in the jaw to adequately support a dental implant. If the bone in the jaw is too thin or too soft to retain the implant screw, Dr. Kennington may recommend performing in-office oral surgery.
This oral surgery entails placing donor bone or special grafting material into the prospective implant site. After a period of healing, the graft has bonded in place, and the bone is adequately strong and dense to accept the implant device.
Fortunately, Dr. Kennington has years of expertise in placing dental implants, even with these special circumstances such as bone grafting. Also, he is able to offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation for more complex procedures, such as these oral surgeries, to make the patient as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Other Oral Surgeries Offered
Dr. Kennington also performs wisdom teeth extractions, frenectomies (release of tongue-ties), soft tissue grafting, flap procedures and other oral surgeries. His caring and highly trained team assist him in providing accurate three-dimensional imaging, sedation options and a relaxed patient-centered atmosphere conducive to successful in-house surgeries.
Do you have Questions?
Please contact Cowlitz River Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kennington. He will give you complete and reliable answers about tooth replacements, grafting procedures, dental implants, or your other oral surgery needs.